More than 220 color photos, together with descriptions of over fifty dollmakers’ richly varied works and techniques, make up this fascinating overview of the state of the dollmaking art. The diverse range of designs, styles and media—from plastic to wood, metal to found objects—serves as an inspiration, a reference, and a summary of the dollmaking world in the early 21st century.

The doll artists featured, working across the U.S. and the world, share personal insights about their own experiences with the creative process. They also discuss challenges of aspects like facial detail and expression, material integrity and longevity, embellishments, and construction.

For designers, artists, craftspeople, and others, this breathtaking summary captures and reveals today’s dollmaking art.